On Thursday 25 June 2026, Bury VCFA welcomed local charities, community groups and partners to Unsworth Cricket Club for its annual Grants Celebration Event, recognising the positive impact of Bury VCFA Administered grant funding across the borough.
The event brought together over 35 organisations from across Bury to reflect on a successful year of grant making and to celebrate the positive difference these funds have made within local communities. Attendees also learned more about how Bury VCFA supports organisations to secure funding and enables them to pay the Real Living Wage to staff funded through grants.
The event was opened by Marie Wilson, Deputy Chief Officer at Bury VCFA, and featured special guest speakers Councillor Mohammed Tahir Rafiq, Mayor of Bury, and Lynne Ridsdale, Chief Executive of Bury Council. Their contributions highlighted the importance of continued investment in grassroots organisations and the vital role they play in supporting resilient and thriving communities.
Attendees also heard inspiring stories from local organisations including Hello Buddy, Let Your Light Shine, and Bury FC, who shared powerful examples of how grant funding is helping to strengthen and support communities across Bury.
One of the standout features of the event was the interactive “Wish Upon a Star” activity. Participants were invited to share ideas on how additional funding could be used and suggest improvements to the grant application process. Contributions from attendees will play an important role in shaping future funding programmes across the borough.
Bury VCFA extends its thanks to our funders for their ongoing support but more importantly everyone who attended and contributed to a successful and inspiring event.
This event is always a highlight, bringing together the incredible charities, community groups and social enterprises making a real difference across Bury. Small grants can have a big impact, and it’s inspiring to see how they have helped local groups grow, connect and support local people. This event is a rare opportunity to simply say ‘thank you’, celebrate our successes and share ideas, because by working in partnership, we can continue to make a real difference to people’s lives across Bury.
Marie Wilson (Deputy Chief Officer)
